Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  2004 F150 4x4 with the 5.4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Gary - April 6 - 2:39 pm

  I bought this truck in 2010 and it had 39000 miles on it. Since that time I have kept oil chgd with 5w20. Installed Kn cold air intake, Superchip, and the Rancho quickly lift Rs9000 on all 4 corners. Does quite well. Yes it has the noise from canphassers but it dont bother me. Currently has 120000 miles and still going strong. Just cut the alternator a month ago and replaced the driver rear oil seal on axle. Did myself and out the Ford gunk back in the pumpkin and no issues. It has been awsome truck. I pulled a loaded comptroller 70 miles with no issues. Best truck in road. Oh at 65000 i had the spark plugs Chad only cost 75.00 as I bought plugs for 14.00 a piece. Went with champion one piece plugs and have good power with them.

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  In the shop - 2013 Ford F-150
  By Justin Brockway - January 19 - 12:31 pm

  My F150 ecoboost has been nothing but a mechanical debacle. Ive had it in the shop more times than I can count with very costly repairs. I dont go off roading it doesnt pull anything and imbolder and pretty mild on the pedal. I also do regular tuneup oil changes with synthetic etc. Although it performs well (when it runs ) ill never buy an ecoboost again...Ford had really disappointed me with there reliability.....

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  Best car - 2016 Ford F-Series
  By Richard admass - November 11 - 4:16 am

  I have owned a lot of Ford Explorers over the years from a 76 Ford Explorer Truck to a Camper Special to even owning a 92 Ford Explorer SUV with all them having accept for the camper special having V6 or inline 6 cylinder engines, but my latest is the AWD V8 which is a work of art to me. This truck in dependable and reliable. Of course I know it is not used to go rock climbing and is for normal to mid off road use, unlike most try to think it should be. In my opinion this SUV is what it should do an average to above average Suv

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  super original car - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Robert - July 4 - 2:28 am

  is the only car in which you feel that this car is yours. This is a machine from the return to the future and at the same time made on the basis of Mazda limousines. It is always nice and comfortable. You can travel, go shopping and you are always happy. A large trunk. Reliable engines. You feel that the car was created to make you happy.

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  Green title - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Oscar - February 25 - 4:18 pm

  Leather seats, new tires 107600 miles. excellent condition

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  That undiscovered Country of a Ford Festiva - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Gerald Craden - February 11 - 4:55 pm

  I have owned 3 Ford Festiva cars and my last one is the best being a 1993 model L. I added the extra mirror on the passenger side and now have 242K miles on her. I get over 50 MPG at 63 MPH on the FWY. She uses the cheapest gas and is a : SOHC, 4 cylinder Mazda B-3 engine, 1.3 Liter 63HP 64 ft of torque F.I with a 5 Speed Mazda manual Trans. I spend less than $ 200. a year to keep her like new. She is the best car I ever have know...Even better than my two BMWs.

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  Ford f150 4x4 - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Russell gardner - December 30 - 11:21 pm

  Bought this truck new its a 2008 f150 4x4 xl model.Right now have 146000 miles on it and runs perfect.Have only replaced the power steering unit twice and nothing else other than normal wear items brakes tires etc.Ill drive it till it wont drive anymore best truck Ive ever owned.

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  1993 Ford Festiva L aqua blue 5 speed manual F.I. - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Nedarc - August 26 - 12:24 pm

  This is my third ford festival and the best. I am getting around 47 to 51 MPG on the FWYs and 44 MPG in the city. I have 218K miles and it is a blast to drive. No power anything, my brakes last me over ten years with me downshifting at stops and when the gas prices go high every week I get offers to sell my baby, which I refuse to do. I have owned BMWs, once a Rolls Royce, and everything in between. My little 93 Ford Festiva is the best car I ever owned. As soon as you drive it ..... You become a fan.

• Terrible turning radius - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Nick - June 4 - 7:19 pm

  Drove one of these for 20 minutes. Pulled a U-turn and the tire exploded. Now I have no friends and I have to walk everywhere. Would not recommend

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  Worst car I ever bought. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Teri Raia - May 6 - 2:52 pm

  Do not buy this car. The transmission shudders, radio stopped working and the blind spots are horrible. This is the only car that I have owned that I am terrified to drive. Such an unpleasant experience driving this car. The only saving grace was the bluetooth and radio and now they are not working. Forget about the dealer fixing these problems. The warranty is for 35,000 miles and the problems start quickly after you have reached that mark.